Families have paid tribute to a well-loved Harpenden shoe shop which has closed down after more than 40 years’ trading.

Renowned for their great customer service, quality shoes, and serving fidgety children, T Galloway Ltd was run by two brothers, Victor and John Keshishian, who have now retired.

A sign on the door of the shop reads: “After 42 years of serving you, it’s time to hang up our shoe horns.

“Thank you for your loyalty and support. All the best and cheers.”

It is not yet known what shop will replace them.

St Albans district Cllr for Harpenden East, Mary Maynard, said she first bought shoes from them in about 1980.

She said: “I wish them well in their retirement, they have been a credit to the town centre for 40 years and everyone is really sad they are going because they had exemplary customer service.

“They remembered everybody by name and did very well with squirming little ones. They were just two absolute gentlemen, it’s such a shame they’re going. I hope the next business in the shop is as nice as they are.”

Harpenden town mayor, Rosemary Farmer, said she had shopped there for 18 years, adding: “They will be missed and it’s always sad when any long standing business in any community closes.

“They are very entertaining, very personally likeable, and very sweet.

“I thought it was a great shame in a way because they have been there a long time and will be sorely missed, but we can only wish them well in their retirement.”

St Albans Chamber of Commerce director, Harpenden town councillor, and long-serving former shop-keeper, Michael Weaver, said he was very sad to hear the news.

“They have been a part of Harpenden for so long, they are two wonderful brothers who run it and it’s so sad that they are going.

“Customers went there because they were two of the most friendly shop owners there could ever be.